New FAA MOSAIC Regulations: A Game Changer for Sport Pilots
The FAA’s revolutionary MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) regulations are set to take effect on October 22, 2025. These groundbreaking regulations promise to significantly expand sport pilot privileges and aircraft access.
The newly introduced “Sport Pilot 2.0” rules will enable sport pilots to fly approximately three-quarters of the existing general aviation fleet. This is a major shift from the current scenario.
Major Changes
- Removal of the 1,320-pound weight limit
- Permission for sport pilots to fly aircraft with stall speeds up to 59 knots
- Inclusion of popular models like Cessna 150, 152, 172, and various Piper aircraft
- Permission for up to four-seat aircraft, retractable landing gear, and constant-speed propellers
With over 7,000 current sport pilot certificate holders and 500,000 private pilots eligible to exercise sport pilot privileges, these changes are expected to significantly boost recreational aviation participation.
EAA CEO Jack Pelton called it “one of the most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years.”